The Bunker – News without the nonsense
Podmasters
News without the nonsense, every weekday morning. In episodes that fit your commute*, The Bunker cuts through the noise to make sense of what’s really going on in news, current affairs, politics, economics and culture. We bring you smart explainers, interviews, fresh perspectives and under-reported stories to as a refreshing alternative to repetitive Punch and Judy news coverage. It’s the only way to start the day. From the producers of Oh God, What Now?Our regulars include: Gavin Esler • Ros Taylor • Alex von Tunzelmann • Andrew Harrison • Zing Tsjeng • Jacob Jarvis • Emma Kennedy • Rafael Behr • Seth Thévoz.• Sign up to support the podcast and get episodes ad-free and early: patreon.com/bunkercast• Apple users: Get all of our core shows ad-free and early with the Podmasters Originals super-subscription.(* Even if it’s just from the kitchen to the front room. )The Bunker is a Podmasters production.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 12, 2025 • 33min
From edgelords to dictators… Why does everyone still love ‘The Art Of War’?
Join Jamie Q Roberts, a Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at the University of Sydney and cultural critic, as he unpacks the enduring impact of Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War.' From its parallels in modern military strategies to its surprising philosophical depth, the discussion questions why figures like Trump resonate with its principles. Explore how this ancient text influences not just military leaders but also tech oligarchs, highlighting its relevance in contemporary conflicts and the ethical dilemmas of power.
Sep 11, 2025 • 19min
Russia, Poland and drones – What happens next? – This is Not a Drill crossover
Gavin Esler chats with Ian Garner, an expert on Russian politics from the Pilecki Institute. They break down the alarming breach of Polish airspace by Russian drones, sparking response from NATO. Ian details Poland's historical context of anti-Russian sentiment and the implications for regional stability. The discussion shifts to the political unity emerging in Poland as leaders like Donald Tusk navigate these tensions. They also explore the public's growing concerns about security within NATO against the backdrop of current geopolitical dynamics.
Sep 10, 2025 • 29min
Flag Wars – Inside this summer's political minefield with Jonn Elledge
Jonn Elledge, a keen journalist and author of The Compendium of (Not Quite) Everything, dives into the sea of flags appearing across Britain. Are these displays of patriotism or culture-war stunts? He explores the tangled web of identity politics, revealing how symbols like the Union Jack and St George's Cross can unite and divide. The conversation touches on vandalism as a form of political expression and the struggles of navigating national identity in today’s diverse society, reflecting on the complexities of pride and accountability.
Sep 9, 2025 • 34min
Cranks, corporations and crap karaoke – Inside Reform UK’s bizarre conference
Matthew Holehouse, British politics correspondent for The Economist, shares his firsthand experience from Reform UK's bizarre conference. He discusses the party's controversial figures and their surprising political rise, especially Nigel Farage's growing influence. The conversation covers the ideological rifts within parties and the strategic challenges they face amidst public discontent. Holehouse highlights how emerging parties are reshaping political discourse, forcing traditional parties to rethink their approaches as the political landscape evolves.
Sep 8, 2025 • 33min
Take me to your deputy leader — Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Jacob Jarvis
The recent political reshuffle in the Labour Party has left it grappling with identity and leadership challenges. As Keir Starmer navigates a rightward shift, the implications for British democracy and smaller parties come into sharper focus. Meanwhile, the rise of Reform UK and its media representation raises questions about political discourse. The podcast also touches on Donald Trump's controversial tactics and their far-reaching effects, as well as the ongoing Ukrainian conflict and how it strains international relations.
Sep 5, 2025 • 34min
Are the fact-checkers losing? – Inside the fake news crisis with Chris Morris of Full Fact
Chris Morris, Chief Executive of Full Fact, sheds light on the escalating fake news crisis as social media giants shift away from human fact-checkers. He discusses the limitations of the Community Notes system and the growing challenges posed by AI-generated misinformation. Morris emphasizes the need for enhanced media literacy and critical thinking to combat misleading information. The conversation highlights the vulnerability of different age groups to scams and misinformation, underscoring the importance of expert moderation and transparency in tech algorithms.
Sep 4, 2025 • 29min
Just asking questions – How conspiracy theories took hold in Britain
Daniel Jolley, a social psychologist from the University of Nottingham, delves into the growing grip of conspiracy theories in Britain. He discusses how these beliefs transitioned from fringe discussions to mainstream topics, often ignited by public figures. The conversation highlights the psychological allure behind conspiracies, the rise of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of critical thinking. Jolley offers practical tips on navigating this complex landscape, balancing skepticism with empathy and open-minded inquiry.
Sep 3, 2025 • 32min
The Future is Slop – Why the Far-Right loves tacky A.I. imagery
Join Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times opinion columnist and host of the Unclear and Present Danger podcast, as he dives into the bizarre world of AI-generated imagery favored by the far-right. He discusses the absurdity of these kitschy visuals, linking them to historical fascist art. Bouie examines their impact on political narratives, nostalgia, and truth, arguing that these exaggerated representations distort reality. He also emphasizes the ethical need for authentic artistry over generative AI in a political landscape characterized by manipulation.
Sep 2, 2025 • 36min
Ukraine war report: The latest from Kyiv with Oz Katerji
Oz Katerji, a journalist based in Ukraine and co-host of the podcast This Is Not A Drill, dives into the ongoing war in Ukraine. He discusses the grim human toll after over 1,280 days of conflict, the stalled peace talks, and the resilience of Kyiv's residents facing constant challenges. Katerji shares insights on the geopolitical dynamics surrounding the war, including the implications of Trump’s recent summit and ongoing international support for Ukraine, painting a vivid picture of life in a nation under siege.
Sep 1, 2025 • 33min
Trump’s Not Dead! – Start Your Week with Alex von Tunzelmann
After a whirlwind of speculation about a key figure's health, the discussion dives into UK's political challenges, including Labour's taxation issues and protests. Global events like the assassination of a Ukrainian politician and a devastating earthquake in Afghanistan are highlighted. The podcast also tackles the Conservative stance on oil extraction and public confidence in political narratives. Finally, it explores the relevance of journalism today with a look at a new satirical spinoff set in a newspaper environment.
